Chicago media share their best pitching tips

If you want publicity in Chicago media, walk, run, drive or fly to the Windy City tomorrow and May 13 to hear journalists share their best pitching tips.

The Publicity Club of Chicago will feature two presentations, one tomorrow night from 5:30 to 7:30 on “speed pitching” and another on May 13 with a panel of journalists who cover the health care industry. I’ve attended several of the Publicity Club’s events, and they’re excellent.

Tomorrow’s meeting is called “How Fast Can You Pitch?” It will be held at Edelman, 200 E. Randolph St., 66th floor, and it might be at capacity by the time this is published.

Taking a cue from speed dating where the goal is to make a “connection,” PCC’s very first “speed-pitching” and networking event will help you connect with many of Chicago’s leading journalists in person. You’ll get a chance to introduce yourself, talk about your clients or your organization, and discuss story ideas.

Even if you don’t have a specific pitch, this is still a great opportunity to introduce yourself to each of the journalists and start building relationships.

Confirmed media representatives so far include:

Marlen Garcia, columnist, Chicago Sun-Times

Andrea Dres, producer, WLS-ABC’s “Windy City Live”

Zach Long, Arts and Entertainment editor, Time Out Chicago

E. J. Schultz, reporter, AdAge

Shia Kapos, columnist, Crain’s Chicago Business

Vince Gerasole, general assignment reporter, CBS 2 Chicago

Jessica Wohl, food/business reporter, Chicago Tribune

Call 773-463-5560 for registration details.

Hear Health Care Journalists May 13

The May 13 event will be held at Maggiano’s Little Italy, 516 N. Clark St., Chicago.

Panelists include:

Ellen Jean Hirst, Chicago Tribune health business reporter

Molly Gamble, Becker’s Hospital Review,editor-in-chief

Kristen Schorsch, Crain’s Chicago Business healthcare reporter

The program begins with networking at 11:30 a.m., followed by a family-style lunch at noon. It ends at 1:30 p.m. Audience members will be able to engage the speakers in a Q&A after the panel. Register here.

Early registration rates are available for $40 (members), $55 (non-members), or $25 (students) through 5 p.m., May 8. Late registration rates of $50 (members), $65 (non-members), or $25 (students) apply through 3 p.m., May 11. Walk-in rates of $55 (members), $70 (non-members), or $30 (students) apply the day of the program. Students can also register for either the program only (FREE), or the program with dessert and beverage for only $10. Student ID must be shown.

How to Pitch Your Story Idea

Her recommendations get two paws up, way up, from The Publicity Hound.

If you’re going to either one of these events, think about how to tie into breaking or seasonal news. Check out the details on how publicist Michelle Tennant Nicholson got two of her clients on FOX News Charlotte for their book Sleep Your Fat Away. See How a Top Publicists’ Strategy Make Journalists Say “Yes.”

About Joan Stewart

Publicity expert Joan Stewart, a PR mentor aka The Publicity Hound, works with small business owners who need free publicity to promote their expertise. She shows you how to establish your credibility, enhance your reputation, position yourself as an expert, and sell more products and services. To receive her free DIY publicity tips twice a week, subscribe here. See all the ways you can work with Joan. Or contact her and ask a burning question about PR, self-promotion or social media.